Health & Social Care

This course provides you with the opportunity to develop the research skills you need to undertake clinical research within the field of health. The course focuses on preparing you to undertake clinically relevant research and develop your knowledge, understanding and practical skills within a range of primary and secondary research methodologies. You also have the opportunity to develop skills in project management, research governance and writing for publication and to gain an in-depth understanding of the context of health related research and policy.

The course enables you to:

• develop the skills and expertise necessary to undertake clinically relevant research
• develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a wide range of research methodologies and data analysis techniques relevant to clinical practice
• foster a commitment to life-long learning and the independent learning ability necessary for a clinical research career.

A flexible approach to course delivery has been taken. You can choose to study either by attending taught sessions, through distance learning or through flexible learning (a combination of both attendance and distance).

• UK students to apply using the online application process
• international students wanting to come to the UK to study full-time apply via the international office
• international students wanting to study in their home county as a distance learner (full or part-time) apply using the online application process.

What you study

You study a number of modules throughout the course which aim to develop your knowledge, understanding and practical skills in quantitative, qualitative and systematic review methodologies and data analysis techniques. You also gain an in-depth understanding of the context of health-related research, managing a research project, research governance, applying for ethics and writing for publication. Towards the end of the course you have the opportunity to plan, manage and undertake a research study in an area of interest to you and to write this up for publication.

How you learn

A range of teaching and learning methods is used throughout the course. You can choose to study either by attending taught classes or through distance learning or through flexible learning (a combination of attendance and distance). Learning and teaching methods for taught classes include key lectures, seminars, group discussions, computer lab work to develop skills in searching for literature and analysing data, and a range of practical activities to develop your practical research skills. Teaching and learning methods for distance learning are supported through the use of a virtual learning environment, where learning materials are available in a range of formats such as written materials, narrated power points, and practical activities to develop your searching, data analysis and practical research skills. Electronic discussion forums also support your learning. Personal development planning is also a key aspect of the course to support your learning.

Supervision and support are provided throughout the course by the personal tutor, course leader, module leaders and dissertation supervisor.

How you are assessed

A range of assessment methods are used throughout the course. These include formative assessment, written essay, written report, proposal, oral and poster presentation, written project and an article for publication.

Career opportunities

The course enhances your career progression by developing your ability to undertake clinically relevant research and will prepare you for a clinical research career.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a relevant degree at 2.2 level or above. International applicants will be required to have IELTS level 7 or above. Applicants with non-standard entry requirements are considered on an individual basis.

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